The sweat. The awkward silence. The relentless pitches thinly disguised as “getting to know you” conversations.

And of course…the fear.

Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Whatever your temperament, we all experience anxiety walking into a room packed with hundreds–maybe even thousands–of people we don’t know and trying to strike up something more than just small talk.

So connecting with an influencer?

It’s a trap.

But here’s the thing: intimidation is unnecessary even with the heaviest of conference heavy weights. Don’t believe me?

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

The truth is any keynoter or presenter worthy of the title wants to hear from you. They actually want to connect. And to prove that point–as well as to prepare you for battle and steel your nerves–we asked 26 of this year’s CMWorld Conference headliners one question:

“How should you connect with influencers at a conference…without being weird or bothersome?”

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get Mark Hamill–this year’s show closer–to contribute. But this is seriously an all-star lineup sharing their tips on how to network.

So lower your blaster, brush back your hair…and get ready for your approach.

Oh, and do not skip the ending.

Venngage’s Director of Marketing, Nadya, and I are also going be running an epic side-hustle at CMWorld that’s all about you: the attendees.

Follow the instruction at the bottom of this post for a chance to get featured (just like these beautiful people) in my next Content Marketing Institute article rounding up the conference itself.

Below you’ll find every headliners’ full answer along with a Click to Tweet box and an image you can share to start your pre-conference connecting right now. Be sure to tag your favorites when you post across social, add your own original comment … and follow their advice!

Make eye contact. Smile. Say hello. I go to events like #CMWorld (which is my Christmakwanzakuhly!) because they are my people. Of course I want to meet you, even if you are introverted or shy or you think I don’t.

Offer to follow up later with a quick/simple request (they’ll likely be too busy at that moment).

I’ve done this a lot and gotten huge traction for it. It doesn’t work if they’re on a big stage, but at smaller events, it’s very simple. Most people are actually super approachable. I once used this approach to get an interview with an New York Times editor. Quick intro at the event. Quick follow up with an email a few days later.

Most keynoters love it when followers come up…just compliment them on something, shake their hand, and thank them. If you want to give a head’s up first, you can tweet them in advance that you’ll be coming by after speech to say, “Hi.”

When you see the keynoter approaching, fall upon bended knee and shout, “My Lord and Savior, Keynoter! If it pleaseth thee, might I have just a moment of your holy time?” C‘mon. Let’s cut the charade and avoid the cutesy. Just be a human and say, “Hi!” We’re all out here trying to do good work and be good humans–humans who say hello to each other 😉

If a keynoter believes that people wanting to ask them questions is bothersome, they won’t be a keynoter very long. Behind that, however, just be mindful of conversation length and depth. Ask a question and get an answer. If you want/need more than that, ask the speaker if you may get their business card to email them later.

I think a simple three step approach works well for this. (1) Before the event consume their content. Read their book, or some of their online work. Watch their videos and listen to their podcast. (2) Comment on their work in the social world. Build a relationship in the online world first. Write an article or feature their work in your tweets. (3) Then, let them know you’re going to be at the event and that you plan on saying, “Hi.” I’ve learned that online action leads to offline interaction.

No keynoter should ever think you’re being bothersome by approaching them. If they do, that’s their issue, not yours. So the best way is to simply just walk up and introduce yourself. If you have a question that didn’t get addressed, or just have something you’d like to ask…then you should. That’s why we are there quite frankly.

The only way it ever gets “weird” is when a person decides that seeking out the keynoter is their chance to do their “speech” for the keynoter. If your intention is to do a 15 or 20 minute “lecture” to the keynoter, then it’s probably best to just simply ask if you can follow up with them separately.

One of the most disappointing emails I get as a keynote speaker are when an attendee writes, “I wanted to come up to you but didn’t want to bother you.” As a speaker, I feel honored to be “bothered” by attendees.

I love when people come up and say, “Hi.” But please don’t pitch. I’ve been handed books, brochures, and asked to do things. It’s awkward. Especially just coming off stage. But please say, “Hi,” and chat. That part is wonderful.

We have been rehearsing our talks for weeks. If you suggest a different conversation topic, you’ll be our new best friend. Speakers are just as scared of you as you are of them. Approach with caution and offer chocolate. (This might only apply to me.) Engage on social media before and during the conference. It shows you’re really interested in a topic or idea.

Help first. Everybody wants to be a fan boy or ask a favor when in reality you can stand out just by being helpful. Be memorable and be helpful. Maybe feedback on a part you liked in the speech or mention using them in a blog post. #givefirsttakelater.

My best tip is to not be scared about approaching presenters. You’re not bothering them and won’t be weird. However, be aware that another session is usually starting so it may be better to try talking to them in the hall right outside of the room following their session.

The most effective way to approach a presenter is with a wad of bills in your hand…showing just a little bit. It doesn’t have to be too much.

If you compliment their presentation, they won’t believe you. No one is more critical of a presentation than the person giving it. Instead, tell them one thing that stuck with you. You can make this up, as presenters often don’t remember what they just said. If in doubt, say, “I took a ton of notes!” To make them feel really special, start a fight in line. Throw a chair if you can.

Ultimately, anything you can start that is encouraging will be appreciated. If in doubt, try a few of these gems: “I loved your podium.” Or, “Where did you learn to use a presentation remote like that?” Finally, if you think you might want to meet your presenter, nod throughout their presentation, especially when they look your way. Nothing makes us feel better than someone who agrees with us!

Long before the event, make a list of individuals you’d like to meet. See if they’re speaking, moderating, or on a panel. After the event (not before), introduce yourself and share a specific reason you either like their blog or book or what they just said.

Now it’s your turn to take the stage…

There’s nothing to be intimidated about. In fact, almost all 26 of those keynoters and presenters had one thing in common: just be human. Say, “Hi.” Don’t pitch. Give first. Take later.

Now, about that ending I promised.

If you thought this pre-conference round-up was epic, it’s nothing compared to what Nadya and I are gonna be cooking up during CMWorld itself.

Again, we’ve just got one question. This time for you!

“What’s your single best networking tip at a conference?”

I’ll be selecting the 100 best tips and putting them together for a massive post-CMWorld article on Content Marketing Institute. Share in the comments or jump in on Twitter. We even made our own hashtag for you: #ConfJedi